Transport Canada: Light-rail station completed in Calgary, contract awarded for Evergreen Line in British Columbia

The Downtown West-Kerby Station opened today in Calgary, Alberta, making the completion of the 7 Avenue light-rail transit (LRT) corridor refurbishment project.

Construction began in 2007 on 10 new stations to replace aging CTrain stations and sidewalks in the downtown area in order to improve customer service and accommodate four-car trains, Transport Canada officials said in a prepared statement.

In addition, corridor upgrades created a more pedestrian friendly environment with wider sidewalks, improved lighting and enhanced streetscapes between stations, they said.

The 7 Avenue LRT corridor project's $183.3 million cost was covered by the governments of Canada, Alberta and city of Calgary.

Each day, more than 23,000 LRT trips are taken along the 7 Avenue free-fare zone, as well as about 185,000 trips in and out of downtown Calgary, Transport Canada officials said.

Meanwhile, a final early works contract for the Evergreen Line in Coquitlam, British Columbia, has been awarded to Pedre Contractors Ltd. The $683,000 contract will cover the installation of underground power lines in Coquitlam, which will provide power for the line's construction and operation, Transport Canada officials said.

The contract is the second awarded to Pedre Contractors for the Evergreen Line. The first was awarded earlier this year for power line installation in Port Moody and Coquitlam.

The seven-mile Evergreen Line will link Burnaby, Port Moody and Coquitlam via light-rail service. The $1.4 billion project includes elevated and at-grade guideways, a 1.2-mile bored tunnel, seven stations, power substations, train operating systems, parking facilities, and a vehicle storage and light maintenance facility. The project will be funded by the federal and British Columbia governments, and TransLink.